In April 2009, the Asian Asbestos Conference (AAC 2009) was held in Hong Kong. This landmark event accelerated the ban asbestos debate in China, the world’s largest asbestos user. New contacts were made and conduits developed with campaigners working in China on issues relating to occupational and environmental health. As a result of the discussions and demonstrations held in Hon Kong, the Asian Ban Asbestos Network (A-BAN) was formed.

University medical experts are randomly selecting 1,200 taconite workers and 800 of their spouses for one of three health studies now under way to find out why so many Iron Rangers are dying from mesothelioma.